How to Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy During a Move

We all know how stressful moving day can be, so imagine how much worse that stress would be if you were suddenly uprooted from your home, stuffed in a van and taken to a new place with no explanation! This is how your pets feel!

Moving with animals is a tricky balancing act: on the one hand, you want to get it out of the way as quickly as possible, and on the other, you want to move your pets in as safe and as stress-free a way as possible. Here’s how.

Before Moving Day

Before you start, you need to get organised. Check with your veterinarian and make sure that your pets are up to date on all their vaccinations and medications. Take your pets on a dry run to get them used to travelling and to see if they get travel sick. If they do, return to the vet’s and stock up on some meds!

If you’re travelling a long way, it is worth planning out some rest stops along the way. Take a look at some pet-friendly hotels in Top End, Northern Territory by clicking here, and plan your journey accordingly. Your pets will thank you for it, although probably non-verbally.

The last thing to do is prepare an “overnight kit” of toys, treats and grooming tools that will help to keep your animals entertained and healthy en route.

On Moving Day

This is where our “how to move with pets” guide really kicks into gear. On moving day, make sure that your pets are kept away from the stressful noise and hubbub until it is time to load them into the car. This minimises the stress placed on your furry (or scaly) friends, and prevents them from sneaking off when you’re not looking.

Remember to keep your animals well ventilated and secured during the move itself, regularly petting and comforting them if possible. It is also a good idea to plan regular breaks for using the toilet and rehydrating, avoiding any nasty messes or health issues along the way.

After the Move

Aim to have as much of your new home set up as possible before moving your pets in. Animals take time to get used to a new environment, and constantly re-arranging that environment will only make it harder for them to settle in. You might also want to keep them in a certain section of the new house at first, introducing the environment to them bit by bit.

Once you’ve moved in, remember to scout out veterinarians, local parks for walks, and other necessary facilities to help your animals enjoy their new life and stay healthy. It is also important to update your pet’s collar and its microchipped ID tag.